Chapter 16: An Important Announcement...
Several minutes later, Jasper returned with an uneasy expression. "She's not in the palace," he admitted, "but some staff reported seeing her leave with Prince Zade."
Damian's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. "Zade?" His voice dropped dangerously low. "Why on earth would she leave the palace with him? To where?"
"I don't know, Your Highness," Jasper replied cautiously. "Should I send someone to keep watch for her return?"
Damian waved a hand dismissively. "Do that. And send some appropriate attire to her chambers for the celebration tonight. I'll need to prepare as well."
"Yes, Your Highness." Jasper bowed and quickly left the room.
Damian exhaled sharply, leaning against the edge of his desk. His mind spun as images of Evelina with Zade clouded his thoughts.
He knew his brother had a thing for Evelina but she never quite fancied him. However, Zade was one persistent bastard that he disliked greatly.
What were they doing together? And why had she chosen to leave with him? So many thoughts ran through Damian's mind, including his brother trying to make a move on his mate.
Then his father's voice echoed in his mind: Marriage.
Storm rumbled in Damian's head, breaking his thoughts. "You're truly surprised by this? You're the Crown Prince. This was always going to happen."
Damian clenched his fists. "I can't deal with this right now."
Storm's tone turned teasing. "Why not? Is it because of her? Are you worried about what she's doing with Zade?"
"She has nothing to do with this," Damian growled.
"Liar," Storm replied, his voice dripping with amusement.
Damian ignored his wolf, but his mind inevitably drifted back to Evelina. The memory of her lips against his refused to fade, fueling both his desire and his frustration.
***************
Hours later, Damian stood at the front of the palace, dressed in a dark, embroidered doublet with silver threading along the sleeves and collar.
A crimson sash draped across his chest, fastened with the royal crest, while polished black boots and a matching cloak completed his sharp look.
Around him, the sounds of the festivities echoed from the grand hall, but his focus was elsewhere.
Evelina.
'They should be back by now.'
His sharp gaze scanned the courtyard, searching for her. And then he saw them.
Zade and Evelina.
They were walking toward the palace, talking and laughing like old friends. Damian's heart tightened as he noticed the way she smiled at Zade, her defenses seemingly lowered. She appeared comfortable with him—too comfortable.
The thought was like a blade twisting in Damian's chest.
In the past when he saw her with any male, his reaction hadn't been like this but ever since he found out they were mate, something in him completely changed.
Had she truly sent Zade on that quest to prove his love? Was she already beginning to accept him? The possibility sent his wolf into a frenzy.
"She can't," Storm growled. "She's ours."
"I know," Damian thought bitterly. "I am her mate."
The urge to march over and confront them burned inside him, but just as he was about to move, Jasper rushed toward him. "Your Highness, I've been looking for you."
"Oh come on, Jasper. What is it this time?"
Jasper was taken aback but replied still, "The King… he is requesting your presence in the hall."
Damian groaned in frustration. His eyes darted back to Evelina and Zade before exhaling sharply. "Fine," he muttered. "Make sure she's ready and bring her to me immediately."
With one last glance at the pair, Damian turned and strode into the palace.
*****************
"…So that's how I ended up joining the pack warriors," Zade finished while grinning charmingly.
"Wow." Even though she didn't know when she showed it, she was genuinely impressed. "That's quite the story."
"Well," Zade drawled, his tone teasing, "it's nothing compared to facing a dragon for you."
Evelina shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Tell me, Evelina," he broke the silence, "what do you think of my brother so far?"
Eve glanced at him but kept her expression neutrual. "Why do you ask?"
"Curiosity," Zade replied with a shrug. "You spend so much time with him. I'm wondering if he's managed to charm you yet—or just annoy you."
Eve smirked faintly. "Let's just say it's a mix of both."
Zade chuckled. "That sounds about right."
Before she could respond, Jasper's voice interrupted them.
"My lady! There you are!" he called, rushing toward them. "Prince Damian has been looking all over for you. You need to get ready for the celebration."
"Celebration?" Evelina asked, frowning.
Jasper nodded. "The King is back. It's a small event to welcome him home."
Evelina turned to Zade. "Thanks for your help today. Even though we didn't find much, the lead you gave me might still prove useful."
Zade inclined his head. "Anytime, Evelina." His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary before he stepped away.
Jasper ushered Evelina to her chambers, where a stunning gown awaited her. The fabric shimmered under the candlelight, its emerald hue bringing out the blue in her eyes.
As she admired it, she turned to Jasper. "Since I'll be staying in the prince's chambers now, shouldn't I move some of my clothes there? It's annoying having to come back here every time I need something."
Jasper hesitated before nodding. "I'll have the maids take care of it."
Once she had bathed and changed, Jasper escorted her to the grand hall. The celebration was in full swing, the room alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses.
Damian stood near the entrance, his posture was rigid as his eyes scanned the crowd. When his gaze landed on Evelina, he was momentarily breathless.
She was radiant.
The emerald gown hugged her curves perfectly, her hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders. For a moment, Damian found himself unable to look away.
But then the memory of her with Zade surfaced, souring his admiration.
As Evelina approached, Damian's expression hardened. "Enjoyed your afternoon outing?" he asked sarcastically.
Eve arched a brow. "Actually, yes. Thanks for asking."
Damian's eyes narrowed. "And I'm sure Zade was very helpful."
Evelina didn't miss the edge in his voice. "He was. Not that it's any of your business."
"Not my business?" Damian's voice dropped, his silver eyes flashing. "You're my mate. Everything you do is my business."
Evelina crossed her arms. "Well, maybe you should focus on running the kingdom instead of running my life."
The tension between them was clear, drawing a few curious glances from nearby guests. But before either could say more, the clinking of a glass silenced the room.
King Lucian stood at the head of the hall, his presence filled with authority as he addressed the crowd.
"My people," he began, his deep voice sending a sense of calm around the hall, "it is good to be home."
The room erupted in applause, but Lucian raised a hand to quiet them. "And now," he continued, his gaze shifting to Damian, "it's time for an important announcement."
Damian's stomach tightened as he stared at his father, dread pooling in his chest.
"On this joyous occasion, I am pleased to announce that the crown prince's engagement is at hand."
Evelina's chest tightened following the round of applause. She didn't know what to expect considering she had never met the king and the fact that everyone in the kingdom seemed to hate her, made her nervous.
However, when his next words rang out, her stomach churned and her heart skipped a beat.
"We shall celebrate Crown Prince Damian's marriage to Lady Selene Veylora in the next 30 days."
The room broke into applause once more, but Damian's eyes immediately darted to Evelina's.
Her countenance was neutral, but he could see the flicker of hurt before she turned and dashed away.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone